Late Push Not Enough
LAKE WALES, Fla. – The IU South Bend baseball team continued its Florida trip Sunday afternoon with a matchup against host Warner University, showing late offensive life but ultimately falling 6-3 to the Royals.
The Titans produced quality at-bats from the middle of the lineup and mounted a late push over the final three innings, but Warner built enough separation early to hold on.
Warner struck first in the second inning, capitalizing on baserunners and aggressive play to take an early lead. The Royals added a single run in the third and two in the sixth to extend their advantage, while IU South Bend was kept off the scoreboard through the first six frames despite consistent pressure on the bases.
The Titans finally broke through in the seventh inning, manufacturing a run with patience and speed. Michael Szatkowski drew a walk and eventually stole home after IU South Bend worked three free passes in the inning to cut the deficit.
IU South Bend carried that momentum into the eighth, stringing together timely hits to make things interesting. Clint Goodman delivered a key RBI double to score Josiah Nelson, and Nick Turner followed with a sacrifice fly to bring home Evan Fortson, pulling the Titans within two.
Warner answered in the bottom half of the inning with an insurance run, but IU South Bend continued to battle in the final frame, putting another runner aboard before the Royals closed the door.
Offensively, the heart of the Titans’ lineup led the way. Lucas Brown went 2-for-4, while Jayden Cummings and Josiah Nelson each collected two hits as IU South Bend finished with eight hits on the afternoon.
On the mound, Max Lines provided a steady presence out of the bullpen, recording four outs without allowing a run to help keep the game within reach late.
Up Next
IU South Bend makes its way up to Georgia for its next series, as the team is set to face Brewton-Parker for four games over two days, beginning on Friday at 4:00 pm.